What do you think?
Rate this book
Firetender
Sometimes true strength only comes with surrender.
Hot-headed Dallas Malone has spent most of his life putting up emotional walls around himself, softened only by his best friend Channing, whom he protects with the fierceness of a big brother. When the two are faced with sudden homelessness, Dallas’s impulsive decisions leave them fleeing from law enforcement and land him in prison. His mistakes threaten to ravish Dallas like a wildfire, unless he can learn to allow something more powerful than himself into his life.
Hot-headed Dallas Malone has spent most of his life putting up emotional walls around himself, softened only by his best friend Channing, whom he protects with the fierceness of a big brother. When the two are faced with sudden homelessness, Dallas’s impulsive decisions leave them fleeing from law enforcement and land him in prison. His mistakes threaten to ravish Dallas like a wildfire, unless he can learn to allow something more powerful than himself into his life.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2023
2 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 30, 2023
Firetender is the first in the Chalice series, which centers around the life of hothead Dallas Malone. At 19, Dallas is propelled into adulthood headlong when his mother skips town. Dallas and his simple yet highly intelligent friend Channing, who's physically abused at home, set off in Dallas's car, following Dallas's wanderlust. Hunger drives them to shoplifting at a convenience store and an encounter with a state trooper that ends badly.
The second half of the book is set in prison as Dallas's impulsivity causes even more problems. Eventually, he develops a mentor relationship with a Catholic priest and his faith grows.
Ultimately, this is a story about vocation, and the twisted paths that lead us to God. There is some Catholic apologetics thrown in, all in appropriate places. Firetender is gritty and moving.
The second half of the book is set in prison as Dallas's impulsivity causes even more problems. Eventually, he develops a mentor relationship with a Catholic priest and his faith grows.
Ultimately, this is a story about vocation, and the twisted paths that lead us to God. There is some Catholic apologetics thrown in, all in appropriate places. Firetender is gritty and moving.
January 25, 2023
Great read for young adults
I was pleasantly surprised by the plot of the story concerning best friends who seemed to have very little in common, at least as far as personalities. The older teen being adventurous and the younger teen being more studious and artistically talented. Their mutual issues with parental neglect and possible abuse seems to bond their friendship, and their quest for a better life sends them on a nail biting journey to find a better way to live and thrive. They encounter many obstacles and leaves the reader breathless to find out what will happen next. A true emotional page-turner. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!
I was pleasantly surprised by the plot of the story concerning best friends who seemed to have very little in common, at least as far as personalities. The older teen being adventurous and the younger teen being more studious and artistically talented. Their mutual issues with parental neglect and possible abuse seems to bond their friendship, and their quest for a better life sends them on a nail biting journey to find a better way to live and thrive. They encounter many obstacles and leaves the reader breathless to find out what will happen next. A true emotional page-turner. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!
November 3, 2023
This book (and its sequel, Enkindle in Me) are some of the grittiest, most beautiful and inspiring pieces of Christian Fiction I’ve ever read. It’s one of redemption, conversion, forgiveness, and discernment for what God wants in our lives. There were so many times that I was just an emotional wreck over what was happening to the characters, but the journey they had to go through was such an inspiration.
This book was not the type I usually read. It’s essentially a coming of age story of two teen boys in the 1990s. There are no female characters and no romance. I probably wouldn’t have picked it up if Erin Lewis wasn’t a fellow Catholic author. But it is also a series I can’t wait to get more of. It defied all my expectations. It’s a love letter to the Lord and a story that is desperately needed for our present world.
It’s a must read for all Christians, especially those looking to find their place in God's plan and those who want to learn more about the Catholic faith. The author does a fantastic job of addressing many common misunderstandings of Catholicism through the eyes of both a believer and an agnostic without, at any time, belittling the faith journey of any other denomination.
This book was not the type I usually read. It’s essentially a coming of age story of two teen boys in the 1990s. There are no female characters and no romance. I probably wouldn’t have picked it up if Erin Lewis wasn’t a fellow Catholic author. But it is also a series I can’t wait to get more of. It defied all my expectations. It’s a love letter to the Lord and a story that is desperately needed for our present world.
It’s a must read for all Christians, especially those looking to find their place in God's plan and those who want to learn more about the Catholic faith. The author does a fantastic job of addressing many common misunderstandings of Catholicism through the eyes of both a believer and an agnostic without, at any time, belittling the faith journey of any other denomination.
March 2, 2023
My heart is full!
Thank you Erin Lewis for this glimpse into the Catholic faith! This is an enjoyable read that also encourages struggling young men (and women) to seek out their calling while assuring them that God loves them and can use them regardless of their past!
I enjoyed getting to know Dallas, Channing and some of the supporting characters. It was also fun to relive some of the 90s with your pop culture references!
Difficult topics were handled tactfully, and the use of "language" was just enough to make the characters realistic (especially in the prison environment) without being offensive.
I look forward to Book 2, Enkindle in Me!
Thank you Erin Lewis for this glimpse into the Catholic faith! This is an enjoyable read that also encourages struggling young men (and women) to seek out their calling while assuring them that God loves them and can use them regardless of their past!
I enjoyed getting to know Dallas, Channing and some of the supporting characters. It was also fun to relive some of the 90s with your pop culture references!
Difficult topics were handled tactfully, and the use of "language" was just enough to make the characters realistic (especially in the prison environment) without being offensive.
I look forward to Book 2, Enkindle in Me!
February 2, 2025
Redemption, reconciliation, and forgiveness abound in this first installment of Dallas Malone's story. The brotherly love between Dallas and Channing feels real and raw, and many unexpected twists and turns along the way kept me eagerly reading till the end. The realities and consequences of law and the criminal justice system are addressed along with the struggles of homelife, growing up, and finding one's way in an often dark and dangerous world. Nonetheless, the reliable presence of humor, support, and encouragement from mentor characters throughout the narrative uplift and inspire Dallas and Channing as they face the many struggles and stumbling blocks that rise up before them. Themes of sacrifice, self-discipline, and surrender are at the forefront of this moving story. I would recommend Firetender to anyone who wants to be deep in the trenches with character's dealing with heavy mistakes while allowing their past to positively shape their future in light of faith.
March 15, 2023
Firetender was thought provoking for me. The main character had to forgive some despicable characters. Forgiveness is a complicated subject and the thoughts on it were eye opening for me.
For example: "When you forgive, you are not saying that what he did was right. You are giving your hurt up to God. You are releasing yourself and your emotions from the situation. You are showing mercy to one who doesn't deserve it by any merits of his own, just as God does for each of us. Just as you want to be able to feel Him do for you."
As I was a teenager in the 90s, I enjoyed reliving the 90s clothing and music.
I hope that there will be more books in the series.
For example: "When you forgive, you are not saying that what he did was right. You are giving your hurt up to God. You are releasing yourself and your emotions from the situation. You are showing mercy to one who doesn't deserve it by any merits of his own, just as God does for each of us. Just as you want to be able to feel Him do for you."
As I was a teenager in the 90s, I enjoyed reliving the 90s clothing and music.
I hope that there will be more books in the series.
January 25, 2023
Two teenage boys, both with a history of abuse and neglect by their parents, together face homelessness and the risk of starvation as they travel cross-country seeking a new start. When things go terribly wrong and they wind up running from the law, a tragedy changes everything--but ultimately gives Dallas the opportunity to depend on God rather than himself. The subject matter is difficult, but the author tells the story well and with compassion.
Trigger warnings: child abuse and neglect, prison violence.
ARC provided by the author for my honest review.
Trigger warnings: child abuse and neglect, prison violence.
ARC provided by the author for my honest review.
September 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this novel. The characters' circumstances were really compelling, causing me to experience a variety of emotions. Dallas and Channing's bond was truly admirable and I loved seeing their distinct personalities. I definitely struggled to put myself in their shoes and often wondered how I would react in their place. The 90s setting came alive for me and my five senses were immersed in the narrative. Great job, Erin; I will happily pick up book two to continue the journey.
October 24, 2025
Gritty and deep. Tragic but beautiful. Riveting from the first page till the last!
I have to be in the right mood to read this since it's darker than I usually read, but I absolutely love the depth and complexity of the characters and their transformations. Erin Lewis' attention to detail and love of literature plays out beautifully in her writing. I'm excited to read more!
I have to be in the right mood to read this since it's darker than I usually read, but I absolutely love the depth and complexity of the characters and their transformations. Erin Lewis' attention to detail and love of literature plays out beautifully in her writing. I'm excited to read more!
February 8, 2023
The book's main characters, Channing and Dallas, drew me in from the first chapter. Channing's unassuming character, a quirky and awkward, yet genius adolescent is endearing. It makes the reader want to jump in and protect his innocence. Dallas, Channing's risk-taking, adventure-loving best friend has just the protective spirit that Channing needs. And seeing the thoughts in Dallas' head throughout the book let the reader know that the rough, hot-headed exterior he portrays differs greatly from the truth seeking, compassionate yet firece heart within. His onerous, yet beautiful, struggle towards Christ's redemption makes this a worthy read!
April 18, 2025
This story is very well developed and engaging.
August 14, 2024
Exceptional book 😃
March 15, 2024
Coming of age stories aren't really my thing, and I only picked up this book because the synopsis for Book 2 sounded interesting, and I decided to read the first one as well, to not miss out on possible important info about the main character. And I am so happy I did, because this was an incredible and compelling story. Definitely not your typical "coming of age" tales, and not what I expected.
This novel was full of action, drama, nostalgia, an amazing friendship, unexpected twists and turns, and most of all, two compelling characters that I soon fell in love with.
I enjoyed the author's writing style, clear and concise, easy to read, poignant, authentic, and full of raw, real emotions. The story and the characters drew me in, and each scene made me want to read the next one. The mix of various themes, like friendship, family, abandonment, love, (life-altering) mistakes, and forgiveness, were beautifully woven together.
The characters were my favourite part. The two very distinct young men (with strengths and weaknesses, with a very special and unexpected friendship, brotherhood even) were very well crafted and developed, and they made me cheer for them, laugh and cry with them at every step.
Dallas' time in prison was written so well. The author didn't shy away from presenting the hard realities of prison, while doing so not for cheap thrills or shock, but also not sugar coating it. Those scenes were gripping and intense, but the hope which was always the backdrop of the story showed the beauty in misery, and God's love and mercy for man even in the worst of places.
As soon as I finished this book, I bought the second volume, which didn't disappoint either. Can't wait for the third installment.
This novel was full of action, drama, nostalgia, an amazing friendship, unexpected twists and turns, and most of all, two compelling characters that I soon fell in love with.
I enjoyed the author's writing style, clear and concise, easy to read, poignant, authentic, and full of raw, real emotions. The story and the characters drew me in, and each scene made me want to read the next one. The mix of various themes, like friendship, family, abandonment, love, (life-altering) mistakes, and forgiveness, were beautifully woven together.
The characters were my favourite part. The two very distinct young men (with strengths and weaknesses, with a very special and unexpected friendship, brotherhood even) were very well crafted and developed, and they made me cheer for them, laugh and cry with them at every step.
Dallas' time in prison was written so well. The author didn't shy away from presenting the hard realities of prison, while doing so not for cheap thrills or shock, but also not sugar coating it. Those scenes were gripping and intense, but the hope which was always the backdrop of the story showed the beauty in misery, and God's love and mercy for man even in the worst of places.
As soon as I finished this book, I bought the second volume, which didn't disappoint either. Can't wait for the third installment.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews